"Assistant Professor of Digital Arts (3D Animation)"

Job Description

The School of Art at Bowling Green State University seeks a dynamic artist and educator to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in 3D animation, 3D modeling, and related disciplines such as gaming, 2D animation, animation pre­and post-production, and immersive technologies/virtual environments. This is a nonrenewable, full-time, nine month (academic year) appointment with a start date of August 10, 2026.

The School of Art is located within the College of Arts and Sciences. The vision for our College, aligned with the university's strategic plan, is to ensure that our students graduate career-ready to meet the world's challenges, and that our faculty research and creative activity contribute to the public good. We achieve this through robust collaboration across departmental boundaries, with particular attention given to increasing experiential learning for our undergraduate and graduate students and connecting our scholarly and creative work to the needs of our region. We are especially interested in recruiting candidates who can contribute excellence in teaching, scholarly/creative work, and/or service toward achieving inclusive excellence throughout the university and to the greater community. The College is committed to faculty success, providing resources and support within the Dean's Office and through collaboration with Arts and Sciences departments and schools, leadership teams in other colleges, and university-serving partners such as the Center for Faculty Excellence. Through these connections, we have developed a comprehensive, cohort-based mentorship program to support the professional growth and advancement of faculty across all disciplines and ranks. We value and practice shared governance and are committed to maintaining a vibrant and equitable working environment.

Established in 1940, the School of Art supports traditional and emerging studio and scholarly practices across five academic divisions: Art History, Studio Art, Digital Arts, Graphic Design, and Art Education. The School offers BA degrees in Art History, Art, Studio Art and Digital Arts; BFA degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Digital Arts and Art Education; MA degrees in Art History and Art Education (online); an MFA degree with specializations in Two­Dimensional Studies, Three-Dimensional Studies and Digital Arts; and a MDes degree in Integrative Design (hybrid/on line).

The RING Center for Experiential Learning, established two years ago through a major gift, opens an exciting new chapter in the School of Art's history. The RING Center provides funding to enable every School of Art student, regardless of their economic circumstances, to engage in significant experiential learning activities such as travel to conferences and workshops, study abroad, and creative and scholarly research.

As a Public University for the Public Good, Bowling Green State University is a comprehensive, high research university located in northwestern Ohio committed to driving economic and cultural vitality in the region and beyond. Through innovative teaching, research and creative activities, BGSU fosters a collaborative and inclusive learning community where inspired ideas, knowledge and achievements support the region, state and nation. More than 760 talented and passionate faculty members teach across more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs, 17 doctoral programs, and 57 master's programs. A focus on promoting research, scholarship, and creative activities has resulted in a significant increase in extramural funding over the past several years.

Guided by Forward, BGSU's strategic plan, the University is focused on redefining student success. For the fourth year in a row, The Wall Street Journal ranks BGSU as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest that students would choose again. BGSU also holds the Wall Street Journal distinction of being the No. 1 public university in Ohio for the student experience.

Essential Functions

• Teach undergraduate courses in game design, 3D modeling, and animation.
• Teach contemporary issues in the digital arts within a range of historical and cultural contexts.
• Mentor students and support their professional development.
• Contribute to program and School of Art service as appropriate.

Preferred and Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• MFA degree or equivalent terminal degree in digital arts animation or a related discipline (e.g., film, new media). Applicants whose degrees are in progress may apply, but all the requirements for the degree must be satisfied before the position start date.
• At least two semesters of college-level teaching experience as a teaching assistant or instructor of record.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of animation, storyboarding, and camera structure/language, as evidenced in your portfolio.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least four semesters of college-level teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant or instructor of record.
• 2+ years of experience beyond an internship in the animation or gaming industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of 3D animation and 3D modeling processes and techniques - including proficiency with Autodesk Maya, Adobe CC, Pixologic ZBrush, and other Autodesk products - as evidenced in your portfolio.
• Demonstrated knowledge of expanded animation practices such as generative AI and installation/performance, as evidenced in your portfolio
• Demonstrated knowledge in any of the following areas: 2D animation; visual development; storyboarding; compositing; game design; video; interactive art; programming; physical computing, as evidenced in your portfolio

Application Details

Application Materials Required

• Letter of interest
• Current curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement centered on student success
• 15-20 examples of student work (submitted as a URL or consolidated and organized PDF)
• 15-20 examples of creative work (submitted as a URL or consolidated and organized PDF)
• Names and contact information of three (3) professional references.

Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned are required for candidates invited for in-person interviews. Finalist will be required to submit official transcripts and letters of recommendation. BGSU policy requires finalist to authorize and pass a background check prior to receiving an offer of employment.

Application deadline to apply is April 15, 2026